Regulator for dynamo-electric machines



(No Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheet 2.

G. J. VAN DEPOBLE.

REGULATOR FOR DYNAMO ELECTRIC MACHINES. .No. 401,230. Patented Apr.9,1889.

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Y. "J B w i/bmmw aywewtoz ChmZesIVznDepoeZe (No Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheet3.

O. J. VAN DEPOELE.

REGULATOR FOR DYNAMO ELECTRIC MACHINES. No. 401,230. r Patented Apr. 9,1889.

awvawtoz Charles JVanDepoeZ ami tn e so a o 3 "(A 1;)- MVJ attormm N.PETERS, Phow-Lum n mr, Washington. 01C.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CI'IARLES J. VAN DEPOELE, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

REGULATOR FOR DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 401,230, dated April 9,1889.

Application filed August 22, 1888.

To aZZ who/1t it may concern.-

3e it known that I, CHARLES J. VAN DE- POELE, a citizen of the UnitedStates, residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook, State of Illinois,have invented certain new and useful Improvements in CombinedDynamo-Flee tric Generators and Automatic Exciters, of which thefollowing is a description.

My invention relates to improvements in dynamo-electric generators ofthe class in which the main armature feeds directly into the maincircuit, the field-magnets being energized by current from a separatesource and known as separately-excited generators; and it comprisesautomatic motor devices for controlling; the exciting-current, andthereby automatically adjusting the output of the main armature inaccordance with the demands of the working-circuit. The motor device, bywhich the exciting-current is controlled, is shown and described inconnection with an exciter in the term of a separate generator; but myinvention also includes a novel construction in which main and excitingarmatures are both mounted upon the same shaft and operated under theinfluence of the same held of force. In this part of my invention asingle machine is operated with two armatures of unequal size, thesmaller one being only capable of furnishing the current required toenergize the tieldmagncts, all the remaining portion of the field offorce being occupied by the larger armature, which is connected.directly with and t'eeds the main or working circuit. The entire currentof the smaller armature passes through the fieldmagnet coils, theyconstituting its workingcircuit. The output of the smaller armature iscaused to vary in accordance with the demand for current in the maincircuit by a motor device which acts to raise or lower theconnnutator-brushes and thereby increase or decrease its eliiciency. Movable commutatorbruslrcarrying devices are connected with the core orplunger of a solenoid included in the main circuit with the othertranslating devices in multiple are or series, as the case may be, thesaid solenoid being connected in the workingcirmiit in similar relationto the other resistances, so that it will be directly affected by andrespond to changes in the working Serial No. 283,446. (No model.)

conditions, and so regulate the production of current in theexciting-armature and by at- :Eecting the strength of the magnetic fieldsimilarly affecting the output of the main armature.

The details of ar'angement and construction will be hereinafter pointedout, and referred to in the appended claims.

In the drawings illustrating my invention, Figure 1 is aview inelevation, showing a dynamo-electric generator embodyin my invention.Fig. 2 is a fragmentary view showing the central top portion of themachine in 1. Fig. is a view similar to Fig. 2 and on the line 3 3thereof. Fig. i is a plan view of the machine, the central portionthereof being broken away to showboth armatures. Fig. 5 is aview inelevation, showing another form of .my improved brushshifting-motordevice. Fig. 6 is a plan view of the devices seen in elevation in Fig.5. Fig. 7 is a theoretical diagram of the circuits and connections ofthe machine. Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic view showing the lnush-shiftiugmotor applied to a separately-constructed exciter. In this view thegenerator, exciter, and regulating devices are seen in elevation and theworking-circuit in diagram.

Similar letters denote like parts throughout.

In the drawings, A A indicate the fieldmagnets ot' a dynamo-electricgenerator, said field-magnets being supported upon a strong iron frame,a, mounted upon a suitable base, B. The armature-shaft C is arrangedtransversely between the polar extensions 1) Z) of the magnets A A, and,as seen in Figs. 2, 4, (i, and 7, carries a com 'iaratively large armature, D, and the relatively small armature E, the two armatures beingarranged close together as maybe without interference or d anger, andoccupying the interpolar space, as does the single armature, Fig. 8.Separate commutator-s D E are provided for the re spective armatures,the commutator-brushes (Z being mounted in suitable positions on arms dc, secured to metallic rings or disks F G, which are supported bygrooved pulleys f g, secured to faces of the polar extensions b,

or by any other similar or equivalent devices, whereby the commutatorbrush carrying frames are rotatably supported in positions concentricwith their respective armatures. The space between the upper edges ofthe polar extensions of the field-magnets is covered by aboard, H, orother suitably-insulated support, upon which are mounted the .mainbinding-posts P N, from which extend the main conductors 1 2. At aboutthe center of the board 11 is placed a solenoid, I, which is providedwith a vertically-moving iron plunger, 2', formed with or attached totransverse arms J J. A frame, j, is also mounted upon the base 11 andextends up and over or across the solenoid I, and being suitablyapertured serves a guide for the plunger 2', which is provided with anupwardly-extending rod, J passing therethrough. From the extremity ofthe arm J extends an arm, K, at right angles thereto. The arm K issomewhat longer than the width of the base H, and is at each endprovided with a downwardly-extending connectin g-rod, 7c, engaging therotatable commutatorbrush-carrying frames F G. From the extremity of theopposite arm J extends a piston-rod, is, connected with the piston of adash-pot, L. Counter-weights M are attached to the arm K, or otherconvenient part, and serve to raise the core and connected parts whenthe main current falls below a predetermined point. As the plungert'rises and falls, according to the influences of the solenoid I, or theweights M thereupon, the brushcarrying frames F G will be rotated toraise or lower both sets of commutatJr-brushes, and any sudden excessiveor involuntary movement thereof is prevented by the piston and dash-potL.

The current generated by the small armature E passes through the coilsof the fieldmagnets, flowing through conductor 3 into one coil of thefield-magnet, issuing thence by conductor 4 to the opposite coil of saidfieldmagnets, and from there by conductor 5 to the othercommutator-brush of the exciting armature, thereby completing aworking-circuit therefor. The main current flows from the main armatureD by conductor 6 into the solenoid I, passing therefrom throughconductor 7 to binding-post P and to line, returning throughbinding-post N and by cond uctor S to the negative commutator-brush ofsaid armature. The solenoid is directly in the main circuit, and must,therefore, be affected by any changes in the working conditions therein.An increase of working devices in the circuit will, by lowering thecurrent-strength, weaken the effect of the solenoid upon the core 2',permitting the counter weights M to exert their influence and raise thesaid plunger, thereby turning the commutator-brush-carrying frames inthe direction to raise the commutator-brushes and increase the output ofboth armatures to meet the additional demand, and so on up to thecapacity of the machine.

hen working-resistances are cut out of the main circuit, the increasedcurrent passing in the solenoid will draw down the plunger and rotatethe commutator-brush frames in the opposite direction, and therebydecrease the production of current in accordance with the demands of thecircuit.

It Will be readily understood that, the object being to include thesolenoid I, in the same manner as in other working-resistances, theapparatus may be operated either in multiple are or in series Withoutany other changes than that necessary to connect the solenoid inmultiple are between the main conductors instead of in series therewith,as

shown.

In Fig. 5 I have shown a somewhat different construction of theregulating apparatus. As there shown, a pair of solenoids, O O, areplaced at opposite corners of the support I-I, directly over thevertical line of the periphery of one of the brush-carrying frames. Asuitable band-wheel, O is mounted upon an upwardly-extending post, Q,its periphery being also in the same vertical line as that of thebrush-carrying frame referred to. A light steel or other band, q,extends about the peripheries of the wheel 0 and the brush-carryingframe G, said band passing through both solenoids and being aflixed tothe iron cores q (1 thereof, so that with this form of construction I amenabled to entirely dispense with springs or counter-weights,as one coreis pulled by the other going downward, serving to place themselves andthe brush-carrying frames in the desired positions. In addition to thesolenoids O O a third solenoid, R, is provided, the said solenoid beingin a derivation spanning the main conductors by conductors 9 10, andhaving no electrical connection with the solenoids O O. The solenoid Ris provided with a plunger, 0, tipped with carbon or other non-fusiblematerial at each end and normally bearing against spring-held contacts.S S. The field-magnet circuits of the machine under description are asfollows: From one commutator-brush by conductor 3 into fieldmagnet coilout through conductor 4 and to the opposite field-magnet coil, thence byconductor 11 through switch 12 and conductor 13 to solenoid 0 from theopposite end of the coils of solenoid O by conductor 14 to solenoid O,and from the opposite end of the coils thereof by conductor 17 to thenegative commutator-brush, completing the exciter-circuit. Short-circuitconnections T T extend from the upper coils of the solenoids O O, and

when the circuit is completed through either one thereof no appreciablecurrent will pass through said solenoids. Bridge-wires 15 16 extend fromthe conductor 14 to the lower portion of the plunger r.

The operation in'this form of m y'inventi on is as follows: Supposingthe switch 12 to be closed, the exciting-current would normally enterthe solenoid O, flow down through the short-circuit conductor T, thencethrou'gh spring-contact S, plunger 0", spring-contact S, short-circuitconductor T, the upper coil of the solenoid 0, and by conductor 17 tothe Lil negative commutater-brush ot' the armature E. Assuming, however,that there is an increased demand for current in the mainworking-circuit, the solenoid R will be energized, and byliitin itsplunger 2' will move it away from the spring-mmtact S, opening the shortcircuit at that point and compelling the exciting-current to tlowthrough the coils of the solenoid O, issuing thence by conductor ll,passing through bridge-wire 15 to plunger 2', thence through plunger rto spring-contact S, short-circui t conductor T, through the uppercoil'of the solenoid O, and by conductor 17 to the negativecommutater-brush, thus encrgizing the solenoid O, which then draws inits plunger, draws down the ban d and turns theconnnutatorbrush-carrying arms in the direction to raise the brushes andincrease the output of current in both the exciting and main generatingarmatures.

On the presence of an abnormal. current or a decreaseot' demand forcurrent in themain line the action is reversed, the plunger 1' beingdrawn down by excess of power in the solenoid R, in which event theshort circuit T is broken at the upper contact, S, and theenergizing-current caused to flow through all the coils of the solenoidO byway of the shortcircuit conductor T, spring-contact S, the lowerportion of the plungerv', bridge-wire 16, and the conductor l-t, whichconnects with the lower coil of the solenoid O, causing said solenoid todraw down its plunger and to move the connnutator-brush-carrying framesin the direction to lower the brushes and decrease the output of themachine. It will thus be seen that the two actions of raising andlowering the con'nnntator-brushes are with this construction separatelybrought about and without in any manner interfering each with the other.it will also be obvious that this arrangement is equally applicable toeither series or multiplearc working-eircuits, in the present instancethe actuatingsolenoid R being shown as connected in multiple are betweenthe working-conductors.l and 2.

In the foregoing but one commutater-brushcarrying frame has beenreferred to. The solenoids O 0 may be centrally located with respect tothe brush-carryingframes and connecting thereto by transverse bars K K,as shown and described with reference to Fig. 1. If the band andcarrying-wheel arrangement is preferred, a single set thereof will besuiii cient, the frames being connected by any simple mechanicalcontrivance, for example, as scen'in Figs. 5 and i. The periphery ofrotating frames G F are formed with ra kteeth 5 which mesh with pinionsg, carried upon the extremities of the shaft g". If

preferred, a double set of solenoids and connections, may, however, beused.

In Fig. 8 shown a form of embodiment of my invention, in which thegenerator is pro vided with but a single armature, which is connecteddirectly with the main-circuit conductors 1 2, which for the sake ofillustration only are shown in multiple are. The exciter E is shown as aseparate machine, the circuit of which includes the field-magnets of thegenerator through conductors 18, 19, and 20. The commutater-brushcarrier G of the exeiter E is rotatably mounted, as before described,and either form of commutator-l)rushcontrolling motor device isattached.

The brush-shitting motor shown is that seen in Figs. 1,2, and 23 of thedrawings. The solenoidl is connected in the main circuit byconductors 1) and 10, and its operation in rais ing and lowering thebrushes of the excitingarn'iature is precisely the same as though theexciting and generating armatures were both located in the same field offorce. \Vith this latter arrangement, however, it is not necessary thatthe brushes of the main armature be shifted in accordance with those ofthe armature furnishing the exciting-current.

It will be entirely obvious to those skilled in the art to which theinvention relates that various minor modifications may be made thereinwithout departing from the spirit of the invention.

Having described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secure byLetters Patent, is

1. The combination of a generatorhaving two armatures within its fieldof force, one supplying the main working-circuit, the other being incircuit with and supplying current to the field-magnet coils of thegenerator, and a motor for automatically adjusting thecommutator-brushes of both armatures and arranged to raise or lower saidcommutatorbrushes, and thereby increase or diminish the output of thearmature supplying the fieldmagnet circuit, according to the rise orfall of potential in the main circuit, and prevent sparking in thebrushes of the main armature, substantially as described.

2. The combination of a generator having two armaturcs, one of which isincluded in the main working-circuit, the other in circuit with thefield-magnets of the generator, and a motor for adjusting thecommutator-brushes of both armatures, comprising a solenoid included inthe main circuit and arranged to lower or raise the saidconnnutator-brushes, according to the rise or fall of potential arisingfrom increased or diminished demand for current in the main circuit,substantially as described. I

3. In COlllblllZltlOll with the field-magnets of an electric generator,two armatures, one in the main circuit and the other acting as anexciterand in circuit with the field-magnets of the generator, and amotor for adjusting the brushes of both ftlilliltlll'OS, comprising asolenoid or solenoids included in the main circuit and a plunger orplungers influenced thereby and arranged to lower or raise theconnnutatorbrushes according to the flow of current in the main.circuit, substantially as described.

i. The combination, with the field-magnets of an electric generator, oftwo armatures, the commutator-brushes of both of which are rotativelymounted, and a motor actuated by the main current and arranged to shiftall the brushes at once, according to the flow of current in the maincircuit, substantially as described.

5. In an electric generator, the combination, with suitable supportsthereon, of movable com1nutator-brush-carrying frames, a solenoidincluded in the main circuit, an iron plunger for said solenoid, a framesecured to and extending from said plunger and connected to thebrush-carrying frame, a guiding-frame extending over the plunger, andcounter-weights suspended from said guidingframe and arranged to raisethe plunger and 1ts connections when less than the predetermined currentis passing in the solenoid, substantially as described.

6. In an electric generator, the combination,

with suitable supports thereon, of movable commutator-brush-carryingframes, solenoids adapted to be put in circuit with the coils of thefield-magnets and having iron plungers mechanicallyconnected to themovable frames to move said frames in the desired direction, a solenoidincluded in the main circuit and having an iron plunger, andcircuitrconnections extending from the co1nmutator-brush-actuatingsolenoids and into the path of the plunger of the solenoid in the maincircuit, whereby one or the other of said solenoids will be actuated inaccordance with the increase or decrease of demand for current in themain circuit, substantially as set forth.

I11 testimony whereof 1 hereto aflix my sign ature in presence of twowitnesses.

CHARLES J. VAN DEPOELE.

Witnesses: I

W. A. STILES, JOHN EASON.

